There's a popular T-shirt on Hatteras Island on the North Carolina Outer Banks that says: “One road on. One road off (sometimes)” — poking fun at the constant battle between Mother Nature and a thin ribbon of pavement connecting the narrow barrier island to the rest of the world.

A tropical storm watch has been issued and mandatory evacuations are underway along the coast of North Carolina, as Hurricane Erin approaches. Coastal flooding and massive waves could leave roads impassable for days.